RE: GMA Block Trimming

From:PMarcum <pmarcum@p3.net>

I used a Dremel Moto Tool for trimming EM plastics as well as GMA and MMA.
Same theory put it in a vise and trim carefully.  the Moto Tool allowed me
to use different types of burrs and small sander type discs to smooth the
edges. It kept my hands safer.  They are still available and no very
"improved' according to the manufacturer. I have a bad history trimming hard
blocks with sharp things.  Pam Marcum

-----Original Message-----
From: Connie McManus [mailto:conmac@cc.usu.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2001 6:24 PM
To: Macke, Gail; 'Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
Subject: Re: GMA Block Trimming


At 01:55 PM 5/22/01 -0400, Macke, Gail wrote:
>Dear Histonetters,
>      I need help with my GMA block trimming ( please excuse typing as I
>trimmed 2 of my fingers a little bit, the tips of them).

OUCH!!  Back in the days when I was doing lots of MMA, I faced my blocks
with a Buehler metalurgical saw.  I then put the blocks in a vice grip and
trimmed off the excess plastic around the tissue with a coping saw.  I took
a metal file and filed the edges so they were slightly rounded and clean of
any hangers-on.   This method does not require kevlar gloves.

Connie McManus



>The Occupational Health Nurse wants me to find another way
>of trimming my blocks.
I use a razor to trim them now. I have cut myself one
>other time when  I hit an air bubble. I have been doing GmA's since July of
>1996.  This is how I was shown and the only other way I know about; I've
>read about.  It is to use is a fine saw.  In reading ,I read that the dust
>is very bad for you. Is this correct?  My work load of blocks since
starting
>is as follows 1996-- 100 blocks, 1997--580 blocks, 1998---980 blocks,
>1999--1300 blocks, 2000---915 ( my processor broke down in November), and
so
>far 2001 I have 610 blocks. I have look at Kevlar gloves but I don't know
>that I can hold a razor blade and the block stable in the holder with such
>bulky gloves. Are there any non-bulky Kevlar gloves?  What ways do any of
>you trim your blocks. Should I stop trimming the 2x15x5mm and just let
there
>be whatever vibrations there are upon hitting the glass knife and let it
>travel thru the whole block?  I still need to trim down the 6x12x5mm to fit
>my glass knife as it  isn't that big. I have tried sawing in the pass once
>before and remember the dust being very fine and all over everything and
>hard to cleanup. As I am the only one in this lab I have no one else to
ask,
>so I thought you might be able to help with some ideas.
>  If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you for any help you
>can give me.
>
>       Gail Macke,HTL
>        Shriners Hospital for Children: Shriners Burns
Hospital--Cincinnati,
>Ohio, USA
>         Gmacke@Shrinenet.org
>
>
>
>
>
Connie McManus
Veterinary Diagnostics Lab
Utah State University
Logan, UT
USA




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